Strider style bikes (a.k.a. “pre-bikes”) without pedals or cranks are another option that teaches the basics of balance and steering. Usually kids are familiar enough with pedaling, thanks to big wheels, that it’s a pretty easy jump from these to a two wheeler.

Road cyclists in the state’s capitol city are among the lucky when it comes to choices. If one wanted to, a cyclist in the valley could pick a different climb every day of the week and throw in numerous options to create almost-never-ending doses of vertical variety.

Vegan Cyclist Dave Harward: I have been vegan for about 7 months now. My diet has been vegetarian for 8 of the last 10 years. The reasons for choosing a vegan diet are ethically centered. Proper treatment of animals became a big reason behind my veganism. I don’t like to make my decision to be vegan polarizing for other people. It fits my beliefs and concerns.

It was a few minutes after 6am, a cold, clear August morning in the mountains. I pedaled my bike above Soldier Hollow and up into the Wasatch Back. The sun was stretching itself over the tall mountains in the east. The effort of the climb warmed my blood. The goosebumps and shivers gave way to sweat and huffs and puffs.